In awe of the goals one of my most successful clients has achieved, I recently paused from our session and asked her what’s working. I know she’s reporting her food to me every day, making healthy decisions one at a time and working out consistently. But I was curious to know if there was something else that was working that I hadn’t recommended to her.

“Pinterest,” she said.

Pinterest? The new virtual pinboard site I played around on the other day for wedding ideas?

Exactly. My client was going onto Pinterest – a new vision board-styled social photo sharing website – and collecting motivational quotes as a means to inspire her to continue her journey to health.

Brilliant!

I started to wonder what other tools my clients are using that’s working well for them, and spent some time last week asking them.

Here are five quick, easy creative tools to help you reach your goals once and for all from my most successful clients. Enjoy!

1. Pinterest. On Pinterest, the new virtual pinboard site that allows members to share photos with one another, enables you to create virtual vision boards filled to the brim with inspiring quotes, motivational pictures and stories and advice from other Pinterest members. You can collect quick workouts and even bookmark cute new workout gear you can treat yourself to after you reach your next goal.

2. SparkPeople. If you are looking for an easy way to track not only your nutrition and fitness but other goals, such as quitting smoking or practicing stress management, SparkPeople is the place for you. Totally free, SparkPeople gives you a complete glimpse into exactly what you need to do to reach your next goal and how to do it.

4. Google calendar. That 5K run, manicure, reading and “me” time isn’t going to schedule itself! Create your own, free, Google calendar and schedule your personal life just like you do your work life. You can even color code your appointments so you can see clearly what category they fall into. Make your calendar public so others can see it for added accountability and support.

Need help getting back on track? Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE holiday health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

]]>http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-4-weight-loss-and-health-tools-from-my-most-successful-clients/feed/0Wellness Wednesday With Sheri: 20 Ways To Get What You Want In The New Yearhttp://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-20-ways-to-get-what-you-want-in-the-new-year/
http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-20-ways-to-get-what-you-want-in-the-new-year/#commentsWed, 04 Jan 2012 20:35:46 +0000http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/?p=1663Continue reading →]]>Ready to make this your best year yet?

No more deprivation, self-criticism, or kicking yourself on Valentine’s Day because you haven’t yet asked for that promotion or worked on your relationships. No more excuses! This year we are going to get everything under control.

Then, take a look at the list below and be sure to incorporate these actions into your daily goals throughout the next few months. Want more tips? Check out my list of 100 tips here, and be sure to read Best Self Atlanta throughout the year so you don’t lose site of your goals.

Cheers to your best year yet!

1. Make a list of everything you want.

2. Set reasonable goals.

3. Pamper yourself.

4. Embrace imperfection.

5. Appreciate and thank people.

6. Draw a picture or make a collage that depicts your goals and display it somewhere prominent.

7. Adorn your body with clothes and accessories that make you feel comfortable and beautiful.

8. Don’t worry about what others think.

9. Trust your gut. If there is a voice inside saying, “I know this sounds crazy, but…” turn up the volume.

10. Consider “you” an investment, and invest in yourself.

11. Surround yourself with your biggest fans.

12. Keep a gratitude journal.

13. Connect with a community that shares your profession, religion or hobby.

14. Forgive others.

15. Ask for forgiveness.

16. Have faith.

17. Make one new friend (or get in touch with an old one) each week.

18. Treat your body like a temple.

19. Put it out there. Tell everyone you know what you want.

20. Make a list of the things holding you back in the left-hand column of a chart, and in the right-hand column, jot down three ways you will overcome each challenge. Throw out the left-hand column and post the right on your refrigerator.

Need help getting back on track? Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE holiday health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

]]>http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-20-ways-to-get-what-you-want-in-the-new-year/feed/0Wellness Wednesday with Sheri: The Secret to New Year's Weight Losshttp://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-the-secret-to-new-years-weight-loss/
http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-the-secret-to-new-years-weight-loss/#commentsWed, 28 Dec 2011 22:04:21 +0000http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/?p=1655Continue reading →]]>Did you make a resolution last New Year’s Eve to lose weight this year? Have you achieved your weight loss goal?

Each year, losing weight is among the most popular resolutions that Americans make, yet many fail to achieve their goals.

A New Year’s resolution to lose weight may seem shallow at first. After all, shouldn’t we all be resolving to be better people? Make peace on earth? Spend time with friends and family?

But when you think about it, it’s not just our pants bursting at the seems that makes losing weight so appealing (although, that is definitely a part of it!). I believe for most Americans, it’s less about the way our body looks, but how our body feels. It’s about obtaining more energy so we can play with our grandchildren, getting our heart healthy so we can live longer and having the vitality to travel, see the world and pursue our passions.

Me and my mom - who lost 90 pounds!

Are you ready to make this the year you finally achieve your weight loss goals, once and for all, so you can live your life to the fullest? Listen up – I will tell you the secret to weight loss: If it didn’t grow, walk or swim, don’t eat it. It’s that simple. Unfortunately, porcini mushrooms don’t have the advertising budget some popular diets do. It can be easy to fall for clever marketing claims on foods that are not as healthy as they appear to be. Stick to whole foods. If you can’t see it swimming in the water, growing in the ground or walking around a farm, it’s likely not a real “food.” By reducing the amount of processed food you consume you’ll rid your body of unnatural toxins, additives, detrimental fats and calories.

This is the secret. Trust me. I helped my mom lose 90 pounds – and keep it off for seven years! And after years of working with people who struggle, this is what we’ve learned is at the root of success.

If you need help, email me. Let’s make this the year you truly embrace your best self.

Need help getting back on track? Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE holiday health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

I am on the “absolutely delicious” diet. I only eat things that are absolutely delicious! And I enjoy them in moderation. No preservatives. No fake food. Just real, delicious, food. Whole grains. Fish. Apples.

With the holidays coming up, now is a great time to embrace a whole foods diet, not just in terms of what you eat, but also in terms of what you drink. Many of us will be jumping from holiday party to holiday party within the next few weeks, and a few sugary drinks here and there can add up to thousands of empty calories throughout the holiday season.

My advice? Use the season as an opportunity to refine your palate and add some red wine to your diet. In moderation (no more than 1-2 glasses a day), the resveratrol and antioxidants in red wine can reduce your cholesterol, keep you sneeze-free and even help you prevent everything from diabetes to heart disease to wrinkles! Scientists have yet to find a fountain of youth, but red wine is pretty close.

Need help getting back on track? Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE holiday health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

]]>http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-red-red-wine/feed/0Wellness Wednesday with Sheri: How To Get Unstuckhttp://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-how-to-get-unstuck/
http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-how-to-get-unstuck/#commentsWed, 07 Dec 2011 21:29:27 +0000http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/?p=1593Continue reading →]]>Have you ever had to stop short on the road because a squirrel darted in front of your car and then just stood there, frozen, staring at you? Do you ever feel this way – paralyzed, aware that you need to make a change, but not sure where to go?

This time of year, it’s easy to feel stuck. If you haven’t reached your New Year’s Resolution from last year and really want this year to be the year you finally move forward, you may be feeling like you’re ready for a change, but just don’t know where to start. Here’s a 3-step plan to get you moving!

1. You can’t get to your final destination if you don’t know what it is. Consider where you want to go. If you haven’t already checked out Best Self Atlanta’s 2012 Best Self Journey Handbook, this is a PERFECT place to start. (Click here to download the PDF). What do you want out of life? What is your ideal? Light a candle, take some time for yourself and complete this guide. It will give you great clarity and focus.

2. Now, make sure you have at least three small, attainable goals outlined in each Action Plan section of the handbook.

3. Commit to taking small steps, one at a time, to achieve this plan. Enlist the help of friends, your support system and experts, such as a personal trainer or health coach, to help move you forward.

Congratulations – you are on your way to getting unstuck!

Need help getting back on track? Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE holiday health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

]]>http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-how-to-get-unstuck/feed/0Wellness Wednesday with Sheri: Creamy Potato Kale Souphttp://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-creamy-potato-kale-soup/
http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-creamy-potato-kale-soup/#commentsWed, 30 Nov 2011 16:23:48 +0000http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/?p=1549Continue reading →]]>Tired of turkey? Need a nourishing soup that is low in fat but FULL of flavor? Enjoy this with a big, green salad, and if you indulged during Thanksgiving, you’ll be right back on your way to health, happiness and positive nutrition.

Heat oil in a large dutch oven. Place onions and leeks in the oil and sauté over very low heat for 10 minutes. Add the stock and bring it to a boil, then add the potatoes, celery and wine. Simmer for about 20 minutes, covered, until the potatoes are tender. Puree the soup in a food processor until smooth. Stir in the mustard, scallions, basil and evaporated low-fat milk.

In a separate pot, boil water and place the kale in it until it is tender. Drain and add to the soup. Add salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste.

Need help getting back on track? Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE holiday health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

That means parties, celebrations, friends and family….along with lots of eating, drinking, preparations and stress. All of this put together can mean a great big weight gain during the holiday season. And, if we are not careful, the brand new outfit we bought for New Years Eve may not fit on New Years Day! Here are some tips on how to stay on track during this holiday season. (Click here for some more great tips).

1. Pump it up. Now is the time to pump up your exercise routine. There are so many opportunities during the holiday season to get off track. By increasing your exercise you will zap off those little bites and tastes that are ending up on your hips.

2. Enjoy your alcohol. Enjoy it, but don’t over do it. Consuming sugary drinks like margaritas, eggnog, and fancy martinis may sound like fun at the time you order them, but you will regret it when you step on the scale. Instead, enjoy low calorie alcoholic drinks like a simple glass of red or white wine, or a clear spirit with a no calorie mixer. Try vodka and seltzer with a twist of lime for a refreshing, low calorie drink.

3. Get naked. Go on the unwrapped food diet. If it didn’t grow, walk or swim, don’t eat it. Chemically processed, sugar-laden foods in wrappers will lead to a rise in sugar levels followed by a deep crash and urge for more sweets. Unwrapped foods, in their natural states, release a steady stream of sugar and nutrients into your body leading to feelings of satiety and fullness. Stay out of the trap of eating candy and unwanted calories at those office parties. Remember, the more sugar you eat, the more sugar you will crave.

4. Ignore Menus. When you dine out, don’t even open the menu. First, consider what you want to eat. Then, take a look and see if those ingredients are on the menu. Don’t be shy about asking for a special dish, but be sure to use the waiter or waitresses’ name and begin by asking “can I ask you a question about the menu?” to get their attention. Speak slowly so they can understand your request, and be appreciative of their help. Restaurants cook up delicious special menus for the holidays but you can avoid being steered by temptation if you decide what you want to eat even before you step into the door.

5. Find the Loneliest Person in the Room. When you’re at a party, find the person in the room who looks the loneliest and approach them. Not only will you avoid useless calories during a cocktail hour, but you will likely meet someone new and interesting, and you will make them very happy.

Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa in Little 5 Points and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

]]>http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-top-five-ways-to-lose-weight-over-the-holidays/feed/0Wellness Wednesday with Sheri: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipeshttp://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-vegetarian-thanksgiving-recipes/
http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-vegetarian-thanksgiving-recipes/#commentsWed, 16 Nov 2011 21:45:26 +0000http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/?p=1523Continue reading →]]>There are so many turkey recipes out there, this week I thought I’d post some meatless munchies for your Thanksgiving menu. These are both low-fat, low-calorie and FULL of flavor and color – perfect antidotes to the typical heavy, Thanksgiving meal.

Happy Cooking!

Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers (Serves 4)

4 large yellow or red bell peppers

3/4 cup pomegranate juice

3/4 cup dried figs, stemmed and chopped

1 1/2 cups cooked wild rice

1 cup diced yellow squash

1/2 cup non-fat feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 400F. Cut tops off peppers to use as lids. Scrape out seeds and ribs with knife. Combine pomegranate juice and figs in large saucepan, and cook over medium heat 7 -10 minutes, or until figs soften and juice reduces and becomes syrupy. Remove from heat, and stir in rice, squash, feta cheese and walnuts. Fill peppers with mixture, and set in 9×13-inch baking pan. Place tops on peppers. Add 1/2 inch water to pan, and cover with foil. Bake 30 to 40 minutes.

Butternut Squash Salad (Serves 6)

1 butternut squash

1 head of kale

1 pomegranate

1 cup walnuts

olive oil (or olive oil spray)

salt & pepper

honey

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut ends off of butternut squash and peel. Cut the squash in half, and remove the innards with a spoon. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Spray a foil-lined baking sheet with olive oil spray. Place the squash on the pan and drizzle with olive oil. Top with generous amount of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss. Roast for 25 minutes.

Toast walnuts. Strip the leaves off of the kale stems and tear into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle some sea salt on the kale and – with your hands – knead the kale as you would bread. It should turn from greenish-white to bright green. Fill a big bowl half way with water. With a knife, slice down the center of the pomegranate half-way, and then hold over the water in the bowl and rip apart. The bright seeds will starts to fall in the water and sink to the bottom. Continue tearing the pomegranate and gently rubbing out the seeds until they all fall out. Drain the water and take out any of the non-seed pieces that may be left.

Put the kale in a big bowl. Top with pomegranate seeds, toasted walnuts (chopped if you’d like), and pieces of roasted butternut squash.

Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa in Little 5 Points and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as winter or seasonal depression, is a mood disorder in which people experience depressive symptoms as the seasons change. Other symptoms, which typically build up in the early winter months, include anxiety, low energy, serious mood changes, trouble concentrating, sadness or hopelessness and trouble sleeping (click here for additional symptoms of depressive disorders). Sound like you?

SAD occurs more often in women than it does in men, and can be caused by a disruption in your biological clock or a drop in serotonin or melatonin levels due to the reduced level of sunlight.

So what can you do?

Exercise is nature’s best medicine. Getting just 30 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a day could eradicate your SAD symptoms (click here for tips on how to keep up with a new fitness regimen). There are also many supplements that can help, including SAMe, 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan and St. John’s wort, but be sure to consult your doctor and work with a board certified health coach before starting any new supplement regimen. Additionally, increasing your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods such as salmon, herring and walnuts can relieve depression symptoms and have many other health benefits.

Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa in Little 5 Points and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.

]]>http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-seasonal-affective-disorder/feed/0Wellness Wednesday with Sheri: Acorn Squash With Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Rosemary Recipehttp://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-acorn-squash-with-cinnamon-nutmeg-rosemary-recipe/
http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/wellness-wednesday-with-sheri-acorn-squash-with-cinnamon-nutmeg-rosemary-recipe/#commentsWed, 02 Nov 2011 21:42:46 +0000http://www.bestselfatlanta.com/blog/?p=1449Continue reading →]]>Want to make a delicious dinner that costs next to nothing, looks restaurant quality, takes almost no time to make and tastes unbelievable?

This acorn squash recipe is a staple in my house. Acorn squash is high in fiber and contains a ton of vitamin A, which plays an important role in vision, bone growth and reproduction. It also helps regulate the immune system, which helps prevent and fight off infections. It was such an important part of the diet of Native Americans that they buried it along with the dead to provide them with nourishment on their final journey!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Place each half skin-side down on a baking sheet. Top each half with a bit of olive oil, 1 T of brown sugar, and generous dashes of cinnamon, nutmeg, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the squash is soft and easy to pierce with a fork.

Want some more ideas? Try this recipe from Best Self Atlanta, and email me for more of my favorites.

Sheri Oppenheimer is a health coach at Sweetgrass Spa in Little 5 Points and the Founder of The 100 Women Project, a healthy social network created by women, for women. To schedule a FREE health makeover session with her ($125 value), call (404) 939-2299 or email Sheri at sheri@100womenproject.com.